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William H. Williamson.-Citizen of Fairfax County; resides where he was born two and a half miles south of Burke's Station, Orange and Alexandria railroad, and four miles from Occoquan; place called Williamson's Cross-Roads, two and a half miles from Marshall's (vidette post) where he was taken. He came over to Marshall's to bring him some meat which he had sold him. He has not seen a Federal since the 22d of Angust, when he went to Alexandria after his horse which had been taken from him on the advance. He was taken prisoner by the enemy on the 16th or 17th of Angust and released same day. He gave them no information during his imprisonment. His wife has not been to Alexandria since its occupation nor has she been more than a mile from home in twelve months. His daughter married in Baltimore. Has not heard from her since the war began. His other children are small. His oldest son is in the C. S. army. He has one or two nephews also. His wife and three small children are now at home with no one to look after or protect them. He protests that he is true to the South and is willing to leave it to his neighbors. He was taken Wednesday, 20th instant, and brought to Colonel Robertson. I file the papers sent with this man. His examination concurs with the statement in the papers. He says he went through the pickets to deliver some beef he had sold to one Martin. Whether he ever passed them at other times does not appear. He has a son and two nephews in the army. Mr. Huntt says his character for veracity is not very good. He voted for secession. A large discretion must be vested in our commanding officers. It is necessary to the safety of the army. In this case there is a specific offense which if overlooked might result in great mischief to our forces. I am not sufficiently acquainted with the minute details of our position or with the facts alleged against this man to form an opinion on the questions: (1) Whether this man's confinement has been a sufficient punishment for his offense? (2) Whether he might now be released without endangering the safety of our operations? I would advise that the military authorities at Manassas be written to for information on these questions.
SOURCE: Official Records of the War of the Rebellion, Series 2, Volume 2, pg. 1452-1453
Related documents Memoranda with additional information on William H. Williamson, Virginia, circa 1861-1862 Letter on Caleb Wriston, John Wriston, W. H. Williamson
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